Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Treating Postoperative Gastroparesis After Partial Gastrectomy in Adults Aged 18 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating acupuncture as a treatment for delayed gastric emptying that occurs after partial gastrectomy surgery. This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial aims to provide strong evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in improving gastric motility and reducing symptoms like abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting in patients with postoperative gastroparesis. The study is conducted collaboratively by Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and partner institutions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups an Acupuncture Group receiving traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture plus standard postoperative care, and a Sham Acupuncture Group receiving non-penetrating sham acupuncture plus the same standard care. Both groups receive treatments of equal duration and frequency. The study collects clinical data, laboratory samples, and symptom assessments during treatment, with follow-up over 12 months. Throughout the trial, participants undergo assessments including gastric emptying scintigraphy, abdominal radiographs, symptom scoring with the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index, nutritional status evaluations, quality of life questionnaires, and monitoring of adverse events. Safety and treatment credibility are also evaluated. Follow-up visits occur at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment to monitor recovery and long-term outcomes. The primary outcome is the time to recovery from gastroparesis up to 12 months after diagnosis.

Acupuncture for Postoperative Gastric Emptying Delay